3D trophies have long since left the domain of science fiction and are now part of mainstream decorative arts and memorabilia.
The history
It's debatable as to how far back the idea of 3D representations inside a solid object goes. There are certainly what appears to be Science Fiction examples of it as far back as the great Alexander Korda classic 1936 film called "Things To Come" [which was based upon a novel by H.G. Wells "The Shape of Things To Come"].
Until the last decades of the 20th century, actually achieving an image inside a solid object remained very firmly in the domain of high technology laboratories and specialist academic centres. Early results were largely considered to be something of a scientific gimmick and it has to be admitted that the final effects were sometimes far from breath-taking.
The 21st century
Today in certain domains, these techniques have been hugely improved and are becoming equally increasingly sophisticated. It is now possible to have an image designed on your behalf, perhaps representing a person or corporate logo. That file can then be input into various forms of sophisticated laser engraving technologies in order to create some quite stunning three-dimensional representations inside blocks of many different forms of material. In fact, new laser printing techniques can actually produce solid objects that represent the three-dimensional design.
What's it for?
If you are a pragmatist you might be asking yourself just what purpose this technology can be used for.
In reality, there may be almost any number of applications:
- paperweights and other forms of corporate advertising material
- jewellery
- commemorative issues of a wide range of different objects
- decorative arts
- 3D trophies for sporting events
Getting it right
It doesn't matter how sophisticated the laser engraving technologies used are, the quality of the final image is going to be significantly affected by the quality of the initial image design. Whilst the principles are not complicated, the application of the design on to 3D trophies [for example] may well be. This is not something that is likely to be easily achieved by trying to use some DIY software and having a go yourself in your spare time!
Experience and sophisticated design tools are normally required to achieve a high quality result. If you don't have that quality of design input, then what you may end up with is a very high quality engraving of a poorly-designed 3D image. It may well be worth investing not only in a state of the art engraving company but also to entrust the design to people who have the appropriate skills. Little might prove to be more embarrassing than handing out 3D trophies that the recipients actually struggle to identify the subject of.
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